Hey everyone --

My classic has one of the original non-pre-engaged starters. I see online resellers that have high-torque gear reduction starters for around $200. Are these truly bolt-on replacements or do you have to do any ring-gear mods? A friend told me that you have to flip the ring gear or some such thing.

Anyone have first-hand experience swapping one of these starters in place of a non-pre-engaged starter?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

When I installed my rebuilt 1275 the old starter gave a big Zap and died. I ordered a new gear reduction starter, and the installation was very straightforward. You can adjust its orientation with relative ease, and there were no issues with the ring gear at all. I must admit that I had a pre-engaged starter in the original setup, so I'm not 100% sure that it's a straight swap but I think it will work for you. I'm very happy with its performance- no issues at all. Hope this helps.

 

If you have a pre-engaged starter there should be no problems switching to a gear reduction starter. Clearance is an issue on some Minis with oil coolers.

If you have an inertia starter there could be issues with the ring gear as the bevel on the teeth of the gear are on the back side of the ring gear, the pre-engaged starter or gear reduction starter needs the bevel on the teeth on the front side of the ring gear.

Here's a good thread on the subject: http://www.minimania.com/web/threadi.../msgthread.cfm